The long-awaited master plan, which provides a path forward for the preservation-based reuse of this former U.S. Army post, was prepared by Sasaki Associates. When implemented, the Fort Monroe master plan will use all of the fortress’s 180 historic structures, develop a new public park which complements the National Park Service’s Fort Monroe National Monument, and create new opportunities to tell the full stories of Fort Monroe’s unique U.S. military and African-American history.

The National Trust has been actively involved with historic preservation planning for this National Treasure since 2005, when the Army decided to vacate Fort Monroe. With the support of our members and allies, we have helped to protect Fort Monroe by contributing to the fort’s programmatic agreement, design standards for treatment of historic properties and for construction of new buildings, Sasaki’s land-use master plan, and a protocol for continuing public involvement.

The National Trust thanks Governor McDonnell for approving the Fort Monroe master plan. We are grateful for the good work of the Fort Monroe Authority, Sasaki Associates, and Virginia Department of Historic Resources (especially Kathleen Kilpatrick, longtime State Historic Preservation Officer and Fort Monroe champion), as well as Preservation Virginia and a long list of other public-interest organizations at the local, state, and national levels which have advocated for the preservation of Fort Monroe.

And of course, we thank you for all your petitions, donations, and support! Together, we’ll keep our National Treasures moving forward.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America's historic places. Join us today to help protect the places that matter to you.

Rob Nieweg is a Field Director & Attorney for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He leads the National Trust’s Washington Field Office, which works to save historic resources in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. He has worked as a preservation advocate since 1989.

2 Responses

This sounds like great news. Our best wishes to all for success implementing the plan.

doris mollenkopf

December 19, 2013

Why does every site have to have a giant flag and flagpole? This stairstep to heaven is just a bit too much. I’m sure Fort Monroe is significant but where in Virginia is it and why is it important? National Trust website does not go into any detail.
Let’s show it like it was! This is to promote tourism or what?

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